Plockton Crags and the two lochs

LOCHALSH: KYLE AND PLOCKTON AREAS


Summary :	The transmitter mast on Carn a Bhealaich Mhoir is prominent in views from Plockton; reaching it is a much easier walk than might be expected. The walk has stunning views and passes two attractive lochs.
Terrain :	Good tracks throughout.
Grade :		Distance :	9km/5.5 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	2.5 - 3.5 hours
Start :	There is space to park about a hundred metres north of the end of Loch Lundie.	Grid ref :	NG808323
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 428 - Kyle of Lochalsh	Ascent :	335m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more Open all walks in Google Earth Tell me more
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	There is a bus stop on the route at the turn off for Achnandarach; however the service is infrequent.[Click for timetables - choose Area 4]

1. This walk can be extended by beginning from Plockton. To do this, see the Duncraig Castle walk. Otherwise, park just north of Loch Lundie on the minor road between Duirinish and Duncraig; there is space on the right about a hundred metres past the loch. Walk north along the road, turning right onto a tarmac track which is usually barred to cars by a locked gate. Continue along the track through the forest for a couple of kilometres. As the track bends right, a wooden sign indicates where the path comes up from Duncraig Castle. Keep on the main track which bends round to the right.

2. The track climbs gently for about six hundred metres where you will reach a junction with another track heading off to the left. Turn left onto this track, which descends slightly before climbing up and leaving the forest. A huge iron gate appears to bar the way, but if it is locked there is a stile just down to the left. Continue on the track which heads up the obvious valley which breaches the line of crags.

3. At the top of this little valley, the track doubles back left to continue the climb. A footpath continues straight ahead and enables a visit to Loch Breac an Eich if required. Otherwise, continue on the track to the transmitter mast on the summit. The views from here are fantastic, with much of the Isle of Skye and Applecross visible, as well as Plockton village far below. If you have waterproof footwear, the best view of Plockton is obtained by continuing past the transmitter to the edge of another crag across boggy ground.

4. Return back down the track to the junction in the forest you reached earlier. This time turn left. The track descends through the forest, going through a gate in the deer fence before reaching tarmac at the eastern end of Loch Achaidh na h-Inich. Continue on the tarmac road along the northern shore of the loch; the island visible in the loch is the remains of a crannog.

5. Once past the loch, continue through the hamlets of Achnahinich and Achnandarach, where there are good views over towards Skye. At the end of Achnandarach you will reach the junction with the main road (there is a bus stop here). Turn right along the road; there shouldn't be too much traffic. The road continues along the shores of pretty Loch Lundie to return to the start of the walk. If continuing to Plockton, continue down the road until another junction with the Stromeferry - Plockton road; turn right here and then left on the next footpath where the Duncraig Castle walk is regained.

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Route profile

View Accommodation for this area:
Kintail hotels
Kintail B&B
Kyle of Lochalsh & Plockton self catering cottages
Kintail hostels
Kintail campsites